Moldovan President: Russia has provided a gas discount for Moldova
During a press conference after his visit to Russia, Moldovan President Igor Dodon said that starting from October, Moldova will buy Russian gas with a $10-15 discount per 1 thousand cubic meters. According to him, from January the price will drop by $45-50, and from April by $70, reports TASS news agency.
Dodon said that the agreement was reached with Vladimir Putin and it will allow keeping the price low for domestic consumers this year. Dodon reminded that the current gas supply contract expires at the end of this year. Moldova wants to avoid the increase of gas price, so it would be more profitable for the country to extend the current agreement. Moldova currently buys gas from Russian gas giant Gazprom for $235 per 1 thousand cubic meters.
Dodon said that Moscow and Chisinau are discussing at least three scenarios for gas transit through the territory of Moldova, but he did not disclose the details. "But I am sure that from January 1, 2020, we will have the gas for our country," said Moldovan President as quoted by RIA Novosti.
Dodon also noted that the previous government of Moldova unreasonably reduced consumer tariffs right before the parliamentary elections this year. "The democratic party reduced the consumer tariff for gas to $178 [per 1 thousand cubic meters], while the real price is $235. It was necessary to find the funds to cover this difference," Dodon explained.
On September 7, the Moldovan President announced that he had reached an agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin on reducing gas tariffs. In late July, Dodon mentioned a discount of 25-30%.
Moldova buys gas from Russia under a contract signed in 2008. The price of gas under this contract is formed depending on gas prices in world markets.